Do sulphur dioxide concentrations in Malta meet EU air quality standards?

Sulphur dioxide (SO2) adversely affects the human respiratory system and lung function. It damages aquatic ecosystems, soils, vegetation and limestone buildings.

Sulphur dioxide is emitted through the burning of sulphur-containing fuels, including biofuels, mainly in power stations and transport, as well as through natural sources, mainly volcanoes. Sulphate, in combination with other atmospheric compounds, is an important source of ultra fine particles such as PM2.5. SO2 pollution from international shipping is a matter of increasing concern. National annual average SO2 concentrations decreased by 5.8 per cent in 2010 (from 5.1µg/m3 to 4.8µg/m3) remaining well below the EU critical level for the protection of vegetation (20µg/m3). This decrease may be in line with the 2.5 per cent decrease in electricity generation in this period.

No annual limit value is defined for the protection of human health from SO2. Locality averages were all found to be below the EU limit value for the protection of vegetation, and decreases were registered in most localities.

Similar to the previous year, the highest levels were recorded in Marsalforn (15.4µg/m3), followed by Paola (12.3µg/m3) and Fgura (10.7µg/m3). Once again, Victoria in Gozo registered the lowest SO2 concentration in 2010 at 2µg/m3. In 2010 the daily average limit value was exceeded once at Kordin, while the hourly limit value was exceeded once at Kordin and once at Msida.

For more information see The Environment Report Indicators 2010-2011 at http://www.mepa.org.mt/teri2010-2011 .